Osage, IA- A North Iowa company wants to make sure our nation's troops are marching comfortably overseas.
Osage sock maker Fox River Mills is setting up a website where people can purchase sox for soldiers.
A local soldier says fresh socks are extremely important for our men and women overseas.
When they get old or worn people can develop blisters and a condition called "trench foot." It's similar to athlete’s foot.
So far Fox River Mills has sent two thousand pairs overseas. They say soldiers still need four times that amount.
Some people may think a soldier's feet are the least of their worries when fighting overseas. Staff Sergeant Rick Robel knows how important walking comfortably can be.
"If you don't keep good socks then you're gonna end up having sores on your feet if you use the horrible socks or if they're not clean,” said the Mason City National Guard Recruiter.
He's completed two tours in the Middle East, and says quality footwear isn't always readily available.
"You take as many as you can and from there when you have an opportunity to go to any of the exchanges that they have on any of the main bases then you try to buy some more, or maybe some of the supply guys have some of the ones you don't want to wear."
Fox River Brand Divisional President Joel Anderson learned about the need for his products from the people on the front line.
"We do a lot of business through the exchanges for the military and we found that there were a lot of soldiers that were writing back to us on our website saying you guys make the best socks and how do I get more?" said Anderson.
So he came up with a program called Socks for Soldiers.
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"If you jump on our website foxsox.com it allows you to actually buy socks for military men and women and we'll pick up the freight for sending to them," Anderson said.
They make socks for dozens of different brands, including some specifically for the military.
"Now they're able to wear socks that are going to wick moisture away there's no blistering and it just makes their lives a lot better when they are in the heat of battle," said Anderson.
Robel knows once they make their way onto a soldier’s foot, they'll be much appreciated.
“Having people send them send socks like that in the care packages that's gonna be a pretty big deal to those guys."
Next week Fox River is holding its annual Sale of Socks Friday through Sunday, at the Mitchell County Fairgrounds.
They'll have some kiosks set up where people can get online and donate socks to soldiers. You can send a personal note to the troops with your order.
